Why Barrier Blanket Isn’t for Sale (Yet) and How You Can Get It

Slugging may have gone viral on Reddit, but the truth is that occlusive skincare isn’t new; it’s ancestral. For centuries, humans have used rich, waxy ingredients to “seal in” hydration, protecting their skin from the elements. Whether it’s lanolin, beeswax, or petrolatum, these occlusives act like bouncers for your barrier, keeping moisture in and irritants out.

So what is slugging, exactly? In skincare terms, it’s the final step in your routine: applying an occlusive balm after moisturizer to reduce trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). The result is plumper, calmer, and better-hydrated skin, especially if you’re prone to dryness or irritation.

At Dieux, we’ve always believed occlusives in skincare deserve a modern update. That belief led to Barrier Blanket, our biotech take on the traditional slugging formula.

Meet Barrier Blanket: The Biotech Blanket for Your Barrier

Barrier Blanket is a rich yet breathable balm that can be applied on the face and lips after moisturizing to lock in hydration. When we launched Barrier Blanket in early 2024 as a Work in Progress, it wasn’t just another occlusive skincare product; it was our experiment in innovation. As self-proclaimed slugging devotees, we wanted something effective and sensorially beautiful, but made with intention. Instead of relying solely on petrolatum or plant-based waxes, we turned to biotech.

Enter torula oil, a biotech oil produced from yeast that feeds on food waste, rather than farmland. This process creates a luxurious emollient, clinically shown to fill in microcracks and improve barrier integrity. Combined with a small amount of refined petrolatum (yes, still one of the safest, most effective occlusives out there), the formula offered cushiony, cocoon-like hydration without the greasy residue.

Barrier Blanket became our community’s favorite sample overnight. You told us it was “the best thing ever.” We agree. So why isn’t it for sale yet?

Why We’ve Only Offered Barrier Blanket as Dieux Samples

Transparency is one of our core values, so here’s the truth. The formula you loved was incredible, but also incredibly expensive to make. With over 40% biotech-derived torula oil, Barrier Blanket was nearly impossible to price below $30 for a 30–50mL tube.

Until biotech scales up and costs come down, Barrier Blanket remains in a state of limbo.  So, while we find a way to make this possible, we're sharing free  Barrier Blanket samples throughout the year with our community as a thank-you for waiting patiently!

And if you've ever searched "How to open a Dieux sample," we've got you.

Why We’re Still Rooting for Biotech Oils

Petrolatum has been a skincare staple for generations, and for good reason. When properly refined, it’s a safe, highly effective occlusive. While petrolatum is simply the by-product of oil refinement (big oil isn't drilling just for petrolatum), we didn't find it particularly innovative to launch another petrolatum (or plant-based "alternative"). That’s why we’re exploring biotech oil innovation which skips using the fossil fuel industry and industrial agriculture. 

Biotech offers a future where rich, barrier-protecting ingredients can be created in labs powered by science. Torula oil is our first step toward that goal, and takes us one step closer to the balm you love.

FAQs

What is slugging?

Slugging is a skincare technique where you apply an occlusive skincare product, like an ointment or balm, as the final step in your nighttime routine to lock in hydration. The name comes from the glossy, “slug-like” sheen it leaves on the skin. By reducing water loss overnight, slugging helps repair your moisture barrier, especially if you’re dealing with dryness, irritation, or over-exfoliation.

Barrier Blanket was designed as a next-generation slugging formula, biotech-based, lightweight, and comfortable, even for those who typically avoid heavy occlusives.

What is petrolatum?

Petrolatum is a highly refined derivative of petroleum, often recognized under brand names like Vaseline. It’s one of the most effective occlusives in skincare, meaning it forms a barrier on the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss. Despite common misconceptions, properly refined petrolatum is non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and approved by the FDA as a skin protectant.

At Dieux, we respect petrolatum for its efficacy and the reality that no fossil fuel company is drilling for it. That being said, we want to find alternatives that use less energy, like torula oil, a biotech oil that offers the same moisture-locking power with a more traceable source and less reliance on an industry we as a society should be moving away from. 

Why hasn’t Dieux launched Barrier Blanket for sale yet?

Simply put, cost and sustainability. The formula’s hero ingredient, torula oil, is expensive to produce at scale. Until biotech manufacturing becomes more accessible, selling Barrier Blanket outright would mean pricing it far higher than we feel comfortable with. Instead, we release Barrier Blanket samples and other free skincare samples from Dieux’s product line during special promotions, so more people can experience the formula without waste.

Is Barrier Blanket suitable for all skin types?

Barrier Blanket is most loved by those with dry, irritated, or compromised skin, especially during colder months. If you’re oily or acne-prone, start with a thin layer or use it selectively on dry areas. Pair it with Instant Angel Moisturizer or your favorite hydrating serum (like Deliverance) before applying Barrier Blanket to maximize results.

Will Barrier Blanket ever return as a full-size product?

We hope so! The formula is a community favorite, and we’re continuing to explore ways to bring it back sustainably and affordably. Until then, keep an eye out for Dieux sales and sample drops. We love keeping you looped in when innovation meets accessibility.

The Future of Occlusives in Skincare

Formulas like Barrier Blanket are pushing the occlusive category forward. We’re testing, refining, and waiting for production to become scalable so that Barrier Blanket can return, not as a limited sample, but as a full-size tube of biotech brilliance.